What are you most passionate about professionally?
After 20 years of in the birth field I never tire of how amazing the whole process is. From pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding to newborn development everyone’s experience is different and fascinating. I am passionate about helping families have positive experiences so that the world will be a healthier place!

How long have you been doing what you do?
I have been a postpartum doula for 20 years and a labor support doula for 18 years!! I also process placentas and am a photographer.

What’s the one problem you are best at solving for your clients? What do your ideal clients say about you?
I am best at solving breastfeeding issues. It is a learned skill but also a very intuitive thing for me. The phrase I hear most from my clients is “I couldn’t have done it without you”. I always say “of course you could have but me being there just made it less scary and smoother.”

Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Spending time with my daughters is my first choice. Making popcorn and bringing it to the movies, hiking, swimming, baking, gardening, taking care of my chickens and crafting. We go to Maine (Heaven) every summer. I also love a little karaoke!

Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Manhattan until the 4th grade and then we moved to Long Island for the schools. After we graduated my parents moved back to the city because they hated Long Island. I also knew I didn’t want to stay there. My parents bought me a VW Bus for graduation and I headed out West. I lived in various places before I had my own family. California, Oregon, Hawaii, Italy and Greece. I came back to NYC to go to The International Center for Photography at the age of 27.

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
Over the years I have been involved with many food programs. Food Pantries, soup kitchens, food delivery for homebound AIDS patients. I am a pretty good cook and enjoy it. I just love helping people!
I have also volunteered to work with teens helping them through the birth process, prenatally, at theirs births and postpartum. They really need the support and it is so gratifying for both sides.